Lesson 2 Military Grid Reference System

Plotting a Eight Digit Grid Coordinates

An eight digit grid coordinate enables you to plot an pin-point location on the map that is accurate to 10 meters. Eight digit grid coordinates are generally used to provide an pin-point that is more accurate than a four or six digit grid coordinate. Used to mark such things as exact locations of a fighting position, command center, or wounded requiring medical evacuation.

As discussed in the previous pages, grid coordinates are split into two parts. The first part represents the number moving to the right and the second part represents the number moving up the map.

8 Digit - 89710262

Finding a 8 Digit Grid Coordinate on a Military Map

Step 1

Using the Grid 89710262 underline the digits that make up a 4-digit grid coordinate (897026). This shows your starting point on the map.

Now place the protractor on your map with the horizontal and vertical zeros at the cross-section of the 4-digit grid coordinate you just underlined.

The zeros are found on the left side of the protractor scale cut out.

NOTE: Ensure you are using the proper scaled cut out.

Step 2

Now we want to continue by plotting a 6 digit grid. To do this we slide the protractor to the right along the horizontal grid line until the number on the cut out that matches the 3rd digit (89710262) lines up with the grid line identified by the first two digits (89).

Then count upward on the vertical edge until you reach the number that matches the 6th digit.

Step 3

To finish off the 8 digit grid coordinate you will divide the space between the numbered lines on the cut out into 10 parts.

You will then estimate where the 4th digit's (89710262) location is on the cut out. Remember the 4th digit is found on the horizontal line.

Slide the protractor to the right until the vertical grid line (you Identified for the 4 digit grid coordinate) lines up with the 4th digit of the 8 digit grid coordinate.

Now you need to do the same on the vertical line.

Move up the vertical edge until you reach the upward digit of your 6 digit grid (89710262) and then estimate the location of the 8th digit (89710262) by dividing the area into 10 parts.